noun
defense
dih-FEHNS
noun
1
The action of protecting someone or something from attack or harm.
"The nation increased spending on defense."
"He raised his arms in self-defense."
2
In sport, the players or tactics focused on stopping the opposing team from scoring.
"The defense forced three turnovers in the first quarter."
3
In law, the case or team presenting arguments on behalf of the accused.
"The defense rested its case after two witnesses."
How to Use Defense
Learner’s notes
UK vs US
American English spells this "defense"; British English uses "defence." Both are pronounced identically.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
self-defense
defense attorney
national defense
Word Forms
defensed past tense, defensed past tense, defenses plural, defenses singular, defenses singular
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The nation increased spending on _____.
Etymology
From Old French defens/defense, from Late Latin dēfēnsa ("protection").